Finance Assistant Internal controls and audit

Unilever est un leader mondial des secteurs de l’agroalimentaire et du Home & Personal Care, avec des marques emblématiques telles que Amora, Dove, Axe, Signal, Cif, Skip ou Knorr.

Notre mission est d’améliorer le quotidien des consommateurs, sur l’ensemble de nos marchés. En développant de nouveaux modèles de croissance, Unilever s’engage dans une dynamique de croissance durable, alliant performance économique et réduction de son impact environnemental.

Portés par l’excellence de nos outils, de nos expertises et de nos innovations, nos produits sont utilisés chaque jour par près de 3,7 milliards de personnes dans le monde, qui nous accordent leur confiance.

Internship (6-month duration): September – February.

Summary

The intern will join the French Controlling team based in Rueil-Malmaison and report to the Risk Manager. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of internal controls, audit readiness, and accounting processes within a leading global company.

The position is designed to provide a balanced exposure to control monitoring, audit support, and continuous improvement initiatives, combining operational activities with analytical responsibilities and opportunities to contribute to ongoing transformation projects.

The intern will work closely with controlling, accounting, and audit stakeholders, gaining valuable insights into financial governance, risk management, and audit practices in an international environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Internal Controls Monitoring & Insight Generation

Monitor the execution of non-SOX detective controls across various cycles (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual).

Track control performance in terms of completeness, timeliness, and quality, highlighting any deviations or inconsistencies.

Support the maintenance and improvement of control tracking tools, ensuring clear visibility over control execution and ownership.

Contribute to identifying recurring issues or operational risks, and provide structured insights to support continuous improvement of the control environment.

2. Audit Readiness & Documentation Support

Assist in the collection, organization, and structuring of audit evidence for internal and external audits.

Perform a first-level review of documentation to ensure completeness, clarity, and consistency before submission to auditors.

Support the controlling and accounting teams in enhancing the quality and standardization of audit documentation.

Contribute to maintaining a strong audit-ready environment across key financial processes.

3. Accounting & Finance Process Exposure

Collaborate with the accounting and controlling teams to gain exposure to key financial processes and their associated controls.

Support selected activities related to audit support materials, documentation improvements, and clarification of roles and responsibilities, under supervision.

Contribute to strengthening the link between accounting operations and internal control requirements, ensuring alignment with compliance expectations.

4. Participation in Internal Control & Risk Projects

Actively contribute to ongoing internal control, risk management, and transformation initiatives within the controlling team.

Participate in the self-assessment / self-audit of selected business activities (e.g., retail operations), including preparation, analysis, and documentation of findings.

Support initiatives aimed at improving control frameworks, tools, and processes.

5. Stakeholder Interaction & Team Contribution

Work closely with controlling, accounting, and audit stakeholders (internal and external), gaining exposure to cross-functional collaboration.

Participate in meetings related to controls, audits, and projects, and assist in preparing supporting materials and follow-ups.

Contribute proactively to the team, demonstrating curiosity, analytical thinking, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Requirements

Education:

Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
Technical Skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Knowledge of SAP or other financial systems is a plus.

AI agent skills to start automation or preparation of audit phases would be a good opportunity to demonstrate

Analytical Skills:

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.

Communication:

Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

French is highly recommended for local team integration.

Team Player:

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Time Management:

Good organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
What We Offer

Hands-on Experience: Exposure to internal controls, audit processes, and financial operations within a global company.

Professional Development: Learning opportunities through mentorship and real business exposure.

Project Ownership: Participation in meaningful projects, including internal control improvements and self-audit initiatives.

Networking: Interaction with a wide range of finance professionals (controlling, accounting, audit).

Dynamic Environment: A collaborative and inclusive team that supports learning and growth.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.